—; this was further demonstrated by the question of indirect and direct taxes, which my theses raised). I will never tie my own hands in elucidating this most important and fundamental question. I cannot. The question must be clarified. There will be dozens more "stumbles" on it.

Whoever understands the "unity" of the Zimmerwald Left in such a way that we shall tie our own hands in theoretical struggle against "imperialist economism" (this is an international disease: Dutch-American-Russian, etc.), understands nothing. To memorize by rote "Zimmerwald Left" and bang one's head on the floor before the utter confusion in Radek's theory—I will not do that.

Conclusions: after Zimmerwald, maneuvers became more difficult. It was necessary to take what was useful from Radek and E. B. and Co., without allowing them to tie our hands. I consider that I succeeded in this. After Bukharin's departure for America and, above all, after Yurii's article was sent to us and he accepted (he accepted! he had to accept) my reply—their business as a "group" is finished. (And Gregory wanted to perpetuate this group by giving it equality: we would have given it equality!!)

With Radek we split on the Russian-Polish arena and did not invite him into our Miscellany*. That was necessary.

And now he cannot do anything that would damage the work. He was forced at the congress in Zurich (5. XI. 1916) to go together with me, as now, against Grimm.

What does this mean? It means that I succeeded in separating** the questions: the international pressure on the Kautskians (Grimm included***) has not been weakened one iota, and at the same time I am not subordinated to "equality" with Radek's stupidity!

Strategically, I now consider the matter won. It is possible that Yurii + Co. + Radek + Co. will quarrel.

* Reference is to the Miscellany "Social-Democrat." —Ed.

** This was very difficult!!

*** —including. —Ed.

Go ahead, my friends!* Now the odium** will fall on you, not on us. But you will not damage the work now, and our road is cleared. We have extricated ourselves from the muddy (in every sense) confusion with Yurii and Radek, without weakening the "Zimmerwald Left" one iota, and having the prerequisites for struggle against stupidity on the question of the attitude toward democracy.

There it is***. Forgive me for the long letter and the abundance of sharp words: I cannot write otherwise when I speak candidly. Well, this is all entre nous****, it will do, and a bit of extra abuse doesn't hurt.

Best regards! Your Lenin

In general, both Radek and Pannekoek pose the question of struggle against Kautskianism incorrectly.
This is NB!!

to Clarens (Switzerland)

Written November 30, 1916

Sent from Zurich

First published in 1949

in the journal "Bolshevik" No. 1

Printed from the manuscript